“A Vibrant Future”: On its 25th Anniversary, Br Greg Reflects on the Young Marist Mission in Timor-Leste

As the Marist mission in Timor-Leste celebrates its 25th anniversary, one of the people most closely connected to its story is Br Greg McDonald. As the Provincial Delegate for Timor-Leste and Cambodia, Br Greg has walked alongside the Brothers and their communities through years of growth, challenge, and renewal.

Timor-Leste today is home to the Province’s youngest and one of its most vibrant missions, with the largest group of young Brothers in formation. The Catholic Institute for the Formation of Teachers (ICFP) has long stood as the country’s leading teacher training institute, and with the recent opening of Colégio Marista Lautém, the mission has expanded its reach even further into the lives of young people and their families in the eastern end of the country.

Br Greg with the young Brothers in 2024, awaiting the arrival of Pope Francis during his visit to Timor-Leste.

For Br Greg, this progress is not just a set of milestones, but a source of deep pride and inspiration. In conversation with The Star Post, he reflects on the journey of the past 25 years, the vitality of the Timorese mission, and the hopes he carries for its future.

Congratulations, Brother! As the Provincial Delegate to TL, how does it feel to be part of the 25th anniversary of the Marist mission in Timor-Leste?

The Marist mission is still young in Timor-Leste compared to other parts of the Province, so 25 years is really a landmark moment to celebrate and to give thanks for all that has been planted and grown in this past quarter century. When Br Josep Maria Soteras, General Councillor visited last year with Br Ben Consigli, he described Timor-Leste as ‘experiencing its Lavalla years’ or foundational stage of growth. In light of our 25 years his comment resonates strongly the Marists here.

Br Greg at the opening of Colégio Marista Lautém, 3 September 2025.

Could you share a little about the preparation leading up to the celebrations?

Two organising groups were formed in the lead-up to the celebrations. The first group was responsible for organising the inauguration of Colégio Marista at Lautem. This included the Principal, Br Paul Kane, the Director, Senhor Augusto Hornai and staff, students, parents and local community members.

The second group, mainly Brothers was responsible for organising the inauguration and blessing of Vila Marista Boa Mãe and then the celebration of the Mass and festivities afterwards. In Timorese culture, respect for those in positions of leadership is given significant recognition so it was important to observe protocol and ensure that certain members of the community – religious, civil, police and military were invited, including veterans and the local elders (xefe sucos).

As Marists we always try and embrace the wider community. The preparations were done in four languages including Tetun, Portuguese and two local languages! It was wonderful to have women from the local community of Bucoli leading the traditional dance of welcome for the Bishop, Provincial and invited guests.

Br Greg with Loreto Sister Margaret Mary at the event

Looking back on the celebrations, was there a particular moment that stood out to you - a highlight or an experience that felt especially meaningful?

For the blessing and opening of Colégio Marista, it was the look on the faces of the children and parents as they saw ‘everyone’ arrive in Lautem, including the Bishop, Provincial and many visiting Brothers and guests from Australia.

There was a real sense of joy as the children danced and entertained the guests in their beautiful new school. I think the local community and the Catholic church are deeply grateful for the presence of the visitors and the quality of education that Marists will provide in Lautem and a sense that we are going to be there for the long run.

What do you see as some of the key challenges and opportunities for the Marist mission in Timor-Leste currently?

Sustainability is the big challenge. The Timorese Government doesn’t provide financial support to schools so there are limited possibilities in-country to sustain Colégio Marista. At the same time, we don’t want to be depending on handouts for the Province for the long term.

Br Greg and Br Lecio with the new aspirants, 2025

Another challenge is ownership of land which remains quite contentious. There are always issues with land ownership. The oral tradition is strong so it is critical to ensure that everything is put into writing and understood between multiple parties. Another challenge is the arbitrary application of law especially when there is a change of government. We find ourselves having to navigate new regulations and negotiate with government and civil authorities on a regular basis.

The opportunities for the Marist mission are endless, especially the needs of young people under 18 which make up 42% of the national population (2022, UNICEF data).

Presently, Australian Catholic University (ACU) is sponsoring a research project in partnership with ICFP Teachers College and AMS to ascertain the needs of youth in the Baucau and Lautem municipalities. The results of this project will enable Marist leadership to better consider future ministry options for children and youth.

Br Greg with PNG visitor Br Simon Serero and young Timorese Brothers in 2024

Given the country's strong Catholic culture, there are terrific opportunities for the Marists, especially the Timorese Brothers to become engaged in education, parish and pastoral (youth ministry) as well as form local Champagnat youth groups. The energy and vitality of our younger brothers is both vital and attractive to the youth so I am confident that they will harness their gifts and talents and put them at the service of the local church and community.

How does the local community engage with the mission’s work, especially regarding youth and education initiatives?

Our Marist formation programs (Scholasticate, Postulancy and Aspirancy) ensure that we are attentive to the needs of marginalised youth in the areas close to where we live and so we have developed partnerships with agencies like the PMY Sisters at Buruma and the Katilosa project that provide education or residential care to children with special needs. Our candidates and young brothers offer their time doing regular activities with these agencies and develop and appreciation for special education.

The entire Marist community gathered in Dili for the visit of Pope Francis in September 2024.

The local parishes are fortunate to access the musical gifts and talents of our young brothers and candidates who regularly provide the liturgical music and do the readings for Sunday Mass. This often involves choir practice with the local Catholic youth who benefit from working alongside the brothers.

Part of our strategic vision for Colégio Marista is to have some Brothers working beyond the school at Lautem and providing education and pastoral assistance in the nearby communities – if you like, going out to the hamlets like Champagnat’s early Brothers and being a formative presence among the people in these places.

What are your hopes for the future of the mission going forward?

A significant priority going forward is the formation of our lay colleagues who are our future Champagnat Marists. We have been blessed with many fine men and women who have been dedicated to the Marist project since the start of the mission in 2000. They have a Marist heart. Now we are at the stage of providing formation programs in country with the assistance and support of the Marist Life and Formation (MLF) team in Australia.

Br Peter Carroll, SoTS Provincial with Br Greg at the opening of Colegio Marista Lautem.

This year, two Timorese staff from ICFP attended Sharing our Call at Mittagong. They will be key players in writing local resources in Tetun. Through quality formation programs and experiences with the local Brothers, we will be able to create a strong Marist family spirit and identity that I believe will be very attractive to young Timorese.

Timor-Leste is home to the largest number of young Brothers in the Province. These celebrations were especially meaningful for them - here’s what some of them had to say.

Br Norberto da Costa

As a Timorese Marist Brother, it was exciting for me to witness the significant celebration of the inauguration of our first-ever Marist school in Lautem, as well as our new big community of Vila Marista Boa Mãe. These celebrations bring so much joy and hope not only for the Timorese Brothers but also to the people of Timor-Leste, especially the Diocese of Baucau. This moment significantly captures the attention of many Timorese people, highlighting the enormous growth of the Marist Mission in Timor-Leste.

Br Joel da Costa, Lautem Community  

These two occasions have left me feeling hopeful, excited, and proud.

Both events give clear definition to our Marist presence in Timor-Leste. As Timorese Brothers, we can see this definition in action: formation into Marist religious life and ministry with children and young people.

As has been said, the Marist identity in the Diocese - particularly in Baucau and Lautém - is stronger than ever. Both communities know and appreciate the Marist style and presence among them. Our students feel it, and our trainee teachers speak of it often. This fills me with great affection for the people we serve, especially the children and young men who are drawn to consecrated life through study and ministry.

Vila Marista Boa Mãe provides a new environment and opens up fresh possibilities for Timorese men called to Marist community life. It offers a space for growth - both in the formation house and within the broader educational mission.

Having two prominent inaugurations in such a short period fills me with pride. Both establishments “sit high on the tops of mountains,” serving as visible symbols of hope and commitment. I am also grateful that so many people came to celebrate and admire these new beginnings.

As a Timorese Brother, it is hard to find words that fully capture the significance of these occasions. But I can say this: I look forward with vision and purpose, committed to my study and vocation, and deeply joyful about the quality of presence among the young men in formation and the children at Colégio Marista Lautém.

Br Ronaldo Da Costa

As a young Marist Brother, I feel very proud that Colégio Marista Lautém stands as both a mission and a dream for children and young people in Timor-Leste. The school plays an important role in providing the best education to our children, especially those most in need and marginalized, while also sharing the message of Jesus and fostering a love for Him among young people. I am also grateful to have been part of the Vila Marista ceremony, which has become an important place for all the Brothers in Timor-Leste - not only as a home, but as a space of transformation, forming people to be good human beings and compassionate Brothers. I hope it continues to strengthen our relationship with God and with all our brothers and sisters.